Despite losing by 119 runs in the final game of the season at home to Eppleton in Division One of the North East Premier League, Tynedale 1st XI still clinched promotion to the Premier Division by virtue of finishing runners-up to Sunderland.

In Division Three, Tynedale 2nd XI (3rd) also finished the season on a losing note at Eppleton. After dismissing the hosts for 127 in 28.1 overs, Tynedale captain Craig Barber (51 not out from 54 balls) ran out of partners as his side slipped from a winning position on 115-5 to 123 all out in the 33rd over.

In Division Two of the O'Neill Richmonds West Tyne Senior Cricket League, the penultimate round of fixtures saw champions elect Haltwhistle (161-5) extend their lead at the top to 56pts with yet another victory at Mitford (160-6).

On one of the hottest days of the season, more than 400 runs were scored in the matches at Newbrough and Stocksfield. After losing the toss at Newbrough and being put in to bat, Riding Mill made the hosts toil in the sun by posting a challenging total of 219-7 from the allotted 40 overs. Michael Collins (58 from 53 balls) top-scored and other valuable contributions came from Steve Kent (37) and Alasdair Hall (37 not out) along with 41 extras. In reply, No.6 James Liddell (81 from 61 balls) put up spirited late resistance as Newbrough rallied from 123-9 to 186 all out.

Dan Johnson (131 from 91 balls) and Mark Jackson (67 from 66 balls) were in good form with the bat for visitors Medomsley who scored 270-9 after winning the toss against bottom of the table Stocksfield, with Dan Cole (4-33) the pick of the bowlers. In reply, opener Michael Stephenson (53) top-scored for the hosts who were dismissed for 139 in 35.4 overs, with Tom Johnson (5-32) and Elliott Scriven (3-28) doing most of the damage.

After losing the toss and being put in to bat by Allendale, hosts Wylam scored 185-8 from the allotted 40 overs, with the final total boosted by 42 extras. In reply, Allendale were all out for 87 in 30 overs, with the early damage done by man of the match Richard Opie (4-23 off 8 overs) who had earlier scored 41 runs when opening the Wylam innings.

In Division One, 2021 champions Stamfordham moved back into second after a comfortable win at bottom of the table Hexham Leazes. Their top-scorers in an impressive total of 299-9 were club captain Jack Schofield (102 from 72 balls) and opener Tarun Suresh Revathi (55 from 56 balls). In reply, opener Matt Joyce (97 from 108 balls) offered most resistance before the hosts were eventually dismissed for 173 in the final over., with Revathi, Seethu Kurapeti and Brahmaiah Potla all taking two wickets.

Riding Mill won by 9 wickets in a one-sided contest at home to Benwell Hill. After winning the toss and electing to bat, the visitors slumped from 40-3 to 70 all out in 24 overs. Ali Raza (4-21 off 8 overs) cleaned out the top order and the hosts then reached their target in only 15.4 overs.

There was also an early finish at Haltwhistle where the hosts were dismissed for 82 in 28.4 overs by South Northumberland 1864. All five bowlers picked up wickets with most success enjoyed by Gregor Pearce (4-28 off 8 overs). In reply, openers Jacob McCord (24) and Aaryan Wagh (31) provided the platform for victory by six wickets with more than 26 overs in hand.

In a low-scoring game at Belsay, the hosts (93 all out) lost by three wickets against Mitford (94-7). Humshaugh and Newton conceded their scheduled matches against Wylam and Newton respectively.

The 72nd Annual Dinner of the O'Neill Richmonds West Tyne Senior Cricket league takes place on Friday, October 20 at the Tynedale Function Suite, Hexham. The Guest Speaker, who will also present the individual and team trophies, is former England and Essex all-rounder Derek Pringle.

WEST TYNE LEAGUE FIXTURES - Saturday, September 16 - Division 1: Haydon Bridge v Belsay, Humshaugh v Benwell Hill, Mitford v Haltwhistle, South Northumberland 1864 v Hexham Leazes, Stamfordham v Riding Mill, Wylam v Newton. Division 2: Allendale v Medomsley, Haltwhistle v Wylam, Newbrough v Mitford, Riding Mill v Stocksfield.